Secret Meeting Between Indian and Canadian Foreign Ministers Amid Diplomatic Row Sparks International Speculation
India and Canada have caught the attention of the international community with news of a secret meeting between Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly. The Financial Times broke the story, stating that the meeting took place in Washington, although neither government has confirmed the event.
The timing of this clandestine meeting is particularly noteworthy, as it comes amidst a diplomatic dispute between the two countries. The controversy stems from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s accusation that India played a role in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, near Vancouver. However, the Indian government firmly denied these allegations and retaliated by accusing Ottawa of supporting Khalistani sympathizers and Sikh extremists. The growing pro-Khalistan movement in Canada has exacerbated tensions between the two nations, with criticism intensifying after a float depicting the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was displayed.
Trudeau and Foreign Minister Joly have acknowledged the strained relations and expressed their commitment to resolving the dispute in private. In an attempt to defuse the situation, Joly stated, We will continue to engage privately because we think diplomatic conversations are best when they remain private, according to Reuters. Trudeau echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that his government aims to avoid escalating the conflict.
The ongoing disagreement has prompted India to request the removal of 41 out of 62 Canadian diplomats stationed in New Delhi by October 10. Responding to this demand, Canada has relocated approximately 30 diplomatic staff members to Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. India has also called for parity in strength and rank equivalence in terms of diplomatic presence, which Ottawa has rejected, citing the need for a larger consulate in Delhi.
The ramifications of this diplomatic row could extend beyond political consequences. As per Erudera, India is the largest source of international students in Canada, with over 226,450 Indian students enrolled in Canadian educational institutions in 2022. In the event that tensions further escalate and New Delhi imposes restrictions on Indian students traveling to Canada, the Canadian economy could face a significant blow, potentially leading to the collapse of numerous public institutions. It is worth noting that India has already suspended visa services for Canadians, adding to the mounting challenges faced by both nations.
As speculation surrounding the secret meeting grows, the international community remains interested in the outcome. The strategic conversations held between the Indian and Canadian foreign ministers could potentially pave the way for de-escalation and a resolution to the diplomatic impasse. Until official statements are released by the respective governments, the world watches closely, hoping for a peaceful conclusion to this tense standoff.
